Sun, Jul 22, 2018
Tokyo Alien Bros. episode 1 "Brother"
Alien Fuyunosuke ("Fuyu") picks up Hana, a plain-looking wallflower, at an outdoor party and takes her to a hotel, only to be interrupted mid-"golden shower" by the arrival of a monstrous slimy blob-Fuyu's older brother Natsutaro ("Natsu")-who has been dispatched from the home planet to check on Fuyu's progress. Natsu takes a human form based on Hana's memories of her dead brother and then erases her recollections of Fuyu.
Fuyu introduces Natsu to his apartment, his pets (dog, bird, lizard, jellyfish), human food (salty foods are lethal to the aliens), and the DIY transmitter in the attic (for communication with the home planet). The brothers watch a television news broadcast featuring dash-cam video of a "meteor" exploding near Tokyo-apparently Natsu's botched landing. Music blaring from his cassette player, Fuyu gives Natsu a thrilling bicycle ride to a local university where he audits classes. Fuyu then introduces Natsu to a couple of his college-student friends, who are instantly taken by the strange newcomer.
Fuyu next initiates Natsu to his part time job handing out tissues on a Tokyo street corner. By stuffing himself with su-konbu (a popular Japanese snack), Fuyu is able to speed himself up 100 times and get the job done quick. But Natsu's own attempt to accelerate ends in disaster when he collides with a ramen delivery bike and gets covered with the salty soup, turning his face into a molten mess.
Meanwhile at the apartment, Fuyu receives instructions from the home planet: as a final test of the alien's adaptability before invasion, Natsu must get a job and a girlfriend. But Fuyu has his doubts about Natsu's abilities.
Face still disintegrating, Natsu flees the accident scene and runs back to the apartment, where he huddles under a blanket, traumatized. The Earth is indeed a terrifying place.
Alien Fuyunosuke ("Fuyu") picks up Hana, a plain-looking wallflower, at an outdoor party and takes her to a hotel, only to be interrupted mid-"golden shower" by the arrival of a monstrous slimy blob-Fuyu's older brother Natsutaro ("Natsu")-who has been dispatched from the home planet to check on Fuyu's progress. Natsu takes a human form based on Hana's memories of her dead brother and then erases her recollections of Fuyu.
Fuyu introduces Natsu to his apartment, his pets (dog, bird, lizard, jellyfish), human food (salty foods are lethal to the aliens), and the DIY transmitter in the attic (for communication with the home planet). The brothers watch a television news broadcast featuring dash-cam video of a "meteor" exploding near Tokyo-apparently Natsu's botched landing. Music blaring from his cassette player, Fuyu gives Natsu a thrilling bicycle ride to a local university where he audits classes. Fuyu then introduces Natsu to a couple of his college-student friends, who are instantly taken by the strange newcomer.
Fuyu next initiates Natsu to his part time job handing out tissues on a Tokyo street corner. By stuffing himself with su-konbu (a popular Japanese snack), Fuyu is able to speed himself up 100 times and get the job done quick. But Natsu's own attempt to accelerate ends in disaster when he collides with a ramen delivery bike and gets covered with the salty soup, turning his face into a molten mess.
Meanwhile at the apartment, Fuyu receives instructions from the home planet: as a final test of the alien's adaptability before invasion, Natsu must get a job and a girlfriend. But Fuyu has his doubts about Natsu's abilities.
Face still disintegrating, Natsu flees the accident scene and runs back to the apartment, where he huddles under a blanket, traumatized. The Earth is indeed a terrifying place.
Sun, Jul 29, 2018
Tokyo Alien Bros. episode 2 "Dog"
Alien older brother Fuyunosuke ("Fuyu") invites younger brother Natsutaro ("Natsu") to observe him in an important human ritual: dating. On their way, they watch aghast as Akiko, an eccentric middle-aged woman from their neighborhood, nearly gets run over, and then retaliates by lobbing her groceries at the offending automobile.
Fuyu's date with Yuka at the zoo starts well but takes a wrong turn when Natsu, intrigued by humans' taste for animal flesh, once again dissolves his face with salty food. Fuyu rescues Natsu and boosts his spirits, but is spotted by Yuka, who storms off at the sight of the two brothers playing with the zoo animals.
Later at the river, Fuyu tosses a Frisbee to his pet dog ("Dog") while explaining to Natsu that dating humans can be interesting in itself (even when it doesn't culminate in the act of procreation). On the way home they bump into Akiko, who takes an immediate liking to Dog. Fuyu lays a hand on Akiko and scans her memories only to discover that she once saw her own pet dog killed by a hit-and-run; and in a sincere effort to ease her grief, he offers her Dog. But Akiko rejects the gift and chases the brothers off, this time hurling groceries at the brothers.
At home, the brothers mull over the day's events and the contradictory and confusing behavior of humans (human females in particular). At night, Natsu sits in front of the computer cuddling Dog and searches the internet for the meaning of the word "love."
Alien older brother Fuyunosuke ("Fuyu") invites younger brother Natsutaro ("Natsu") to observe him in an important human ritual: dating. On their way, they watch aghast as Akiko, an eccentric middle-aged woman from their neighborhood, nearly gets run over, and then retaliates by lobbing her groceries at the offending automobile.
Fuyu's date with Yuka at the zoo starts well but takes a wrong turn when Natsu, intrigued by humans' taste for animal flesh, once again dissolves his face with salty food. Fuyu rescues Natsu and boosts his spirits, but is spotted by Yuka, who storms off at the sight of the two brothers playing with the zoo animals.
Later at the river, Fuyu tosses a Frisbee to his pet dog ("Dog") while explaining to Natsu that dating humans can be interesting in itself (even when it doesn't culminate in the act of procreation). On the way home they bump into Akiko, who takes an immediate liking to Dog. Fuyu lays a hand on Akiko and scans her memories only to discover that she once saw her own pet dog killed by a hit-and-run; and in a sincere effort to ease her grief, he offers her Dog. But Akiko rejects the gift and chases the brothers off, this time hurling groceries at the brothers.
At home, the brothers mull over the day's events and the contradictory and confusing behavior of humans (human females in particular). At night, Natsu sits in front of the computer cuddling Dog and searches the internet for the meaning of the word "love."
Sun, Aug 5, 2018
Tokyo Alien Bros. episode 3 "Kiss"
Despite a dismal job interview, Natsu is hired at the convenience store where his older brother Fuyu works. Fuyu observes amused as Natsu stumbles through his first day on the job.
Natsu walks Dog along the banks of the river and watches as young Keita, cheered on by his mother, struggles to ride a bicycle. Fuyu meanwhile sends a progress report home.
At the convenience store the next day, Fuyu explains some of the complexities of human male-female relationships. Later, Natsu attempts to ride Fuyu's bicycle, but ends up wiping out, damaging the bike badly.
At work, Natsu is increasingly confused by the meaning of jobs and work in general. Haruru, a strange girl, walks into the convenience store and flirts with Natsu until, just as he is about to try kissing her, Fuyu pops out and reveals the nature of the set-up: the oddball Haruru is one of Fuyu's girlfriends, tasked with teaching Natsu the meaning of love.
Later, Fuyu and Haruru lie in bed, and Haruru sets Fuyu straight about the true nature of love. Love, she explains, is not something one can be taught, but something one simply gives to others. Fuyu childishly replies that it was his wish that Haruru "give" Natsu her love. Haruru snuggles up to Fuyu, but he stews, confused by the intricacies of human relationships.
Natsu watches spellbound as young Keita successfully rides his bicycle. Natsu gives the little boy a warm, congratulatory embrace, and a kiss, only for the terrified little boy to run off crying.
Despite a dismal job interview, Natsu is hired at the convenience store where his older brother Fuyu works. Fuyu observes amused as Natsu stumbles through his first day on the job.
Natsu walks Dog along the banks of the river and watches as young Keita, cheered on by his mother, struggles to ride a bicycle. Fuyu meanwhile sends a progress report home.
At the convenience store the next day, Fuyu explains some of the complexities of human male-female relationships. Later, Natsu attempts to ride Fuyu's bicycle, but ends up wiping out, damaging the bike badly.
At work, Natsu is increasingly confused by the meaning of jobs and work in general. Haruru, a strange girl, walks into the convenience store and flirts with Natsu until, just as he is about to try kissing her, Fuyu pops out and reveals the nature of the set-up: the oddball Haruru is one of Fuyu's girlfriends, tasked with teaching Natsu the meaning of love.
Later, Fuyu and Haruru lie in bed, and Haruru sets Fuyu straight about the true nature of love. Love, she explains, is not something one can be taught, but something one simply gives to others. Fuyu childishly replies that it was his wish that Haruru "give" Natsu her love. Haruru snuggles up to Fuyu, but he stews, confused by the intricacies of human relationships.
Natsu watches spellbound as young Keita successfully rides his bicycle. Natsu gives the little boy a warm, congratulatory embrace, and a kiss, only for the terrified little boy to run off crying.
Sun, Aug 12, 2018
Tokyo Alien Bros. episode 4 "Takoyaki"
Alien older brother Fuyunosuke ("Fuyu") announces to his younger brother Natsutaro ("Natsu") that they will be hosting a "Takoyaki" party (takoyaki a popular Japanese dish of octopus fritters, usually prepared communally). Fuyu also explains that this will be a prime opportunity for Natsu to hook up with a human female.
Once the party gets going, Fuyu delights in manipulating the guests, encouraging hapless friend Okabe to pair off with a former girlfriend, Chinami, at the same time as he pushes Natsu to pursue her as well. Natsu cowers in the bathroom, unable to decipher the humans' emotional interactions, while Fuyu continues playing puppeteer with his guests, reading their minds and toying with them, stoking their passions.
The bumbling and inarticulate Okabe is determined to make a move on Fuyu's ex, despite her obvious lack of interest. But after Chinami turns down his clumsy proposal, Okabe proceeds to pour out his emotions to the others. After observing from the bathroom, Natsu joins the others, and embraces Okabe, moved by his doomed determination.
Later, the brothers and their now drunken guests set off fireworks at the river. Okabe declares to Fuyu that his love for Chinami remains strong and that he will refuse to give up his pursuit of her. Meanwhile Natsu and Chinami are off by themselves, and Chinami is obviously charmed by and attracted to the guileless alien Natsutaro.
Okabe and Fuyu set off in search of Chinami, only to spot her moments later locked in a deep kiss with Natsu. Fuyu is pleasantly surprised, Okabe crushed.
Alien older brother Fuyunosuke ("Fuyu") announces to his younger brother Natsutaro ("Natsu") that they will be hosting a "Takoyaki" party (takoyaki a popular Japanese dish of octopus fritters, usually prepared communally). Fuyu also explains that this will be a prime opportunity for Natsu to hook up with a human female.
Once the party gets going, Fuyu delights in manipulating the guests, encouraging hapless friend Okabe to pair off with a former girlfriend, Chinami, at the same time as he pushes Natsu to pursue her as well. Natsu cowers in the bathroom, unable to decipher the humans' emotional interactions, while Fuyu continues playing puppeteer with his guests, reading their minds and toying with them, stoking their passions.
The bumbling and inarticulate Okabe is determined to make a move on Fuyu's ex, despite her obvious lack of interest. But after Chinami turns down his clumsy proposal, Okabe proceeds to pour out his emotions to the others. After observing from the bathroom, Natsu joins the others, and embraces Okabe, moved by his doomed determination.
Later, the brothers and their now drunken guests set off fireworks at the river. Okabe declares to Fuyu that his love for Chinami remains strong and that he will refuse to give up his pursuit of her. Meanwhile Natsu and Chinami are off by themselves, and Chinami is obviously charmed by and attracted to the guileless alien Natsutaro.
Okabe and Fuyu set off in search of Chinami, only to spot her moments later locked in a deep kiss with Natsu. Fuyu is pleasantly surprised, Okabe crushed.
Sun, Aug 19, 2018
Tokyo Alien Bros. episode 5 "Life"
Natsu awakens to a horrible nightmare populated by squirming octopi and a flaming Okabe. Fuyu congratulates Natsu on his progress with Chinami; but, to Fuyu's surprise, Natsu can't get his mind off Okabe. During his report to the home planet, Fuyu expresses his bewilderment at the unpredictable behavior of his brother and humans alike. But, whether by sheer luck or previously unexpressed ability, Natsu is undeniably closer to achieving the goals set for them-perhaps the aliens' Earth invasion is not so far off.
Natsu meets Okabe at the river, and is shocked at Okabe's jealousy. When the guileless Natsu explains that Chinami didn't kiss him-actually, it was he who kissed her-Okabe becomes enraged and knocks Natsu down. Natsu is pulling himself off the ground when Keita's mother arrives with Keita in tow, and accuses the stunned Natsu of kissing her boy. But Fuyu arrives just in the nick of time, and wipes Keita's and his mother's memories. Later, the brothers sit on their balcony sipping tea. Natsu reviews the recent drama: the kiss, and Okabe's punch. Fuyu meanwhile encourages Natsu to quickly "close the deal" with Chinami. Natsu is fascinated by the Tokyo Skytree, an immense broadcasting tower that casts an enormous shadow over downtown Tokyo.
Moments later, the brothers sit on a ledge at the very top of the Tokyo Skytree, watching Tokyo buzz like an ant hive below them. The brothers marvel at the absurd grandeur of human civilization, and trip out on the unspeakable beauty of Earth's nature.
After descending the Skytree, Fuyu takes Natsu to the thrift shop where Chinami works, under the pretense of getting her help smartening Natsu up. But Fuyu is overcome by a pang of jealousy when he sees that Chinami, having forgotten her past with Fuyu, is genuinely attracted to Natsu. In a fit of pique, Fuyu wipes Chinami's memory and drags the oblivious Natsu out of the shop. Later, Fuyu, disgruntled, tells Natsu that the home planet has actually assigned him to Earth only to test the adaptability of the very clumsiest and least-qualified of their race.
Natsu awakens to a horrible nightmare populated by squirming octopi and a flaming Okabe. Fuyu congratulates Natsu on his progress with Chinami; but, to Fuyu's surprise, Natsu can't get his mind off Okabe. During his report to the home planet, Fuyu expresses his bewilderment at the unpredictable behavior of his brother and humans alike. But, whether by sheer luck or previously unexpressed ability, Natsu is undeniably closer to achieving the goals set for them-perhaps the aliens' Earth invasion is not so far off.
Natsu meets Okabe at the river, and is shocked at Okabe's jealousy. When the guileless Natsu explains that Chinami didn't kiss him-actually, it was he who kissed her-Okabe becomes enraged and knocks Natsu down. Natsu is pulling himself off the ground when Keita's mother arrives with Keita in tow, and accuses the stunned Natsu of kissing her boy. But Fuyu arrives just in the nick of time, and wipes Keita's and his mother's memories. Later, the brothers sit on their balcony sipping tea. Natsu reviews the recent drama: the kiss, and Okabe's punch. Fuyu meanwhile encourages Natsu to quickly "close the deal" with Chinami. Natsu is fascinated by the Tokyo Skytree, an immense broadcasting tower that casts an enormous shadow over downtown Tokyo.
Moments later, the brothers sit on a ledge at the very top of the Tokyo Skytree, watching Tokyo buzz like an ant hive below them. The brothers marvel at the absurd grandeur of human civilization, and trip out on the unspeakable beauty of Earth's nature.
After descending the Skytree, Fuyu takes Natsu to the thrift shop where Chinami works, under the pretense of getting her help smartening Natsu up. But Fuyu is overcome by a pang of jealousy when he sees that Chinami, having forgotten her past with Fuyu, is genuinely attracted to Natsu. In a fit of pique, Fuyu wipes Chinami's memory and drags the oblivious Natsu out of the shop. Later, Fuyu, disgruntled, tells Natsu that the home planet has actually assigned him to Earth only to test the adaptability of the very clumsiest and least-qualified of their race.
Sun, Aug 26, 2018
Tokyo Alien Bros. episode 6 "Love"
In the attic, Natsu shouts desperately at the transmitter but gets back only static. Later, Fuyu teases his brother for being so sensitive and, dismayed by his own welling emotions, encourages Natsu to continue with Chinami. The next day, during work at the convenience store, Chinami asks Natsu out.
Meanwhile Fuyu explains his machinations to Okabe and his own unexpected reaction at Chinami's feelings for Natsu. Disgusted with Fuyu's insensitivity, Okabe boils over again, this time throwing a punch Fuyu's way. Later, Natsu runs into Okabe, only to find that his memories of Chinami and of punching him have been wiped clean.
Fuyu spies on Natsu's and Chinami's date, following at a distance while disguising himself as an old man and, alternately, an oversized cat. But the date is going unexpectedly well, causing Fuyu to abandon his pursuit and take refuge at Haruru's flat, where Haruru is quick to identify Fuyu's strange feelings as none other than jealousy towards his own younger brother. Upset to have been read so easily, and disturbed by his unwanted emotions, Fuyu walks out on Haruru.
After a long evening of walking, eating, and drinking together, Natsu and the tipsy Chinami end up in bed at a hotel. Overwhelmed by Chinami's aggressive sexuality, Natsu tries to pull away, but ends up falling off the bed and smashing his face on a piece of furniture. Seeing the massive "dent" in Natsu's head, Chinami panics and tries to flee, only to be restrained by Natsu, in a state of panic himself. In the heat of the moment, Natsu wipes her memory.
Each defeated in his own way, Fuyu and Natsu regroup at the apartment, and sip tea on the balcony.
In the attic, Natsu shouts desperately at the transmitter but gets back only static. Later, Fuyu teases his brother for being so sensitive and, dismayed by his own welling emotions, encourages Natsu to continue with Chinami. The next day, during work at the convenience store, Chinami asks Natsu out.
Meanwhile Fuyu explains his machinations to Okabe and his own unexpected reaction at Chinami's feelings for Natsu. Disgusted with Fuyu's insensitivity, Okabe boils over again, this time throwing a punch Fuyu's way. Later, Natsu runs into Okabe, only to find that his memories of Chinami and of punching him have been wiped clean.
Fuyu spies on Natsu's and Chinami's date, following at a distance while disguising himself as an old man and, alternately, an oversized cat. But the date is going unexpectedly well, causing Fuyu to abandon his pursuit and take refuge at Haruru's flat, where Haruru is quick to identify Fuyu's strange feelings as none other than jealousy towards his own younger brother. Upset to have been read so easily, and disturbed by his unwanted emotions, Fuyu walks out on Haruru.
After a long evening of walking, eating, and drinking together, Natsu and the tipsy Chinami end up in bed at a hotel. Overwhelmed by Chinami's aggressive sexuality, Natsu tries to pull away, but ends up falling off the bed and smashing his face on a piece of furniture. Seeing the massive "dent" in Natsu's head, Chinami panics and tries to flee, only to be restrained by Natsu, in a state of panic himself. In the heat of the moment, Natsu wipes her memory.
Each defeated in his own way, Fuyu and Natsu regroup at the apartment, and sip tea on the balcony.
Sun, Sep 2, 2018
Tokyo Alien Bros. episode 7 "Girl"
The brothers sit in the living room nursing their wounds and zoning out to music-heavy metal and classical alike, the sounds transport them. The transmitter in the attic seems to have gone offline and the brothers are unable to speak with the home planet. Thwarted by the opposite sex, Fuyu proposes a bizarre scheme for better understanding the human female: by assuming female identities.
On the crowded streets of Harajuku, "Fuyu-ko" and "Natsu-chan" are a strange-looking duo: while Fuyu has successfully transformed into a coquettish teenage girl, Natsu, for some reason, has opted to simply wear feminine clothing, makeup, and a wig. They shop with Runa, a chubby high-school student until, increasingly disgusted by the superficiality of the image-obsessed crowds, Natsu tears off his wig and exhorts Runa to remain true to herself and not get pulled along by Fuyu.
Fuyu meanwhile drives off with Eguchi, a sleazy-looking "modeling agent," who has promised to make her a star. Eguchi takes Fuyu to a dark warehouse where Eguchi and his slimy colleague Yamamoto commence with their gonzo porn shoot, with Fuyu at the center of the action, caught completely off guard.
Back at the apartment, Natsu continues trying to raise the home planet on the transmitter, until a strange little boy who, between swigs of beer, explains (in a hardcore Osaka accent) that he is a member of the alien "A-Team" and has discovered an even better site for the alien invasion, in a completely different corner of the universe. The brothers' mission is over, he declares, and it is time to pack up and return to the home planet. Fuyu-ko stands in the middle of the porn set-her clothes are torn and blood-stained, and a nasty-looking metal scimitar sprouts from her elbow. In a pool of blood at her feet are the mangled bodies of Eguchi and Yamamoto.
The brothers sit in the living room nursing their wounds and zoning out to music-heavy metal and classical alike, the sounds transport them. The transmitter in the attic seems to have gone offline and the brothers are unable to speak with the home planet. Thwarted by the opposite sex, Fuyu proposes a bizarre scheme for better understanding the human female: by assuming female identities.
On the crowded streets of Harajuku, "Fuyu-ko" and "Natsu-chan" are a strange-looking duo: while Fuyu has successfully transformed into a coquettish teenage girl, Natsu, for some reason, has opted to simply wear feminine clothing, makeup, and a wig. They shop with Runa, a chubby high-school student until, increasingly disgusted by the superficiality of the image-obsessed crowds, Natsu tears off his wig and exhorts Runa to remain true to herself and not get pulled along by Fuyu.
Fuyu meanwhile drives off with Eguchi, a sleazy-looking "modeling agent," who has promised to make her a star. Eguchi takes Fuyu to a dark warehouse where Eguchi and his slimy colleague Yamamoto commence with their gonzo porn shoot, with Fuyu at the center of the action, caught completely off guard.
Back at the apartment, Natsu continues trying to raise the home planet on the transmitter, until a strange little boy who, between swigs of beer, explains (in a hardcore Osaka accent) that he is a member of the alien "A-Team" and has discovered an even better site for the alien invasion, in a completely different corner of the universe. The brothers' mission is over, he declares, and it is time to pack up and return to the home planet. Fuyu-ko stands in the middle of the porn set-her clothes are torn and blood-stained, and a nasty-looking metal scimitar sprouts from her elbow. In a pool of blood at her feet are the mangled bodies of Eguchi and Yamamoto.
Sun, Sep 9, 2018
Tokyo Alien Bros. episode 8 "Death"
Dripping with blood, Fuyu strips out of her torn clothes and changes into a fresh schoolgirl uniform. Meanwhile in the attic at home, Natsu flips through his brother's diary-an amazing and bizarre collection of Fuyu's observations on Earth and human culture, behavior, and biology-and curses the dead transmitter in frustration.
After a harrowing trip home, during which she is overwhelmed by the thoughts of the passers-by pressing up against her, Fuyu returns home to find Natsu waiting up for her. He asks Fuyu what happened and offers her tea, but is met with cold stares. After a day working by himself at the convenience store, Natsu fails to rouse Fuyu, now returned to male form, who remains sacked out on the sofa.
The next day at the convenience store, Ogawa and Yamada, two detectives investigating Fuyu-ko's murders, arrive to question Natsu about some incriminating security camera footage of "Fuyu-ko" and "Natsu-chan." Natsu plays dumb, and the nosy detectives back off.
Natsu, having failed to find Fuyu at home, checks Fuyu's spacecraft, a strange geometrical pod parked in a Tokyo alley. Sitting by himself on a Tokyo rooftop, Fuyu senses Natsu's presence at the parked spacecraft, and heads there to meet him. The two argue-Natsu is concerned about the police and disturbed by Fuyu-ko's murders, but Fuyu, increasingly "alienated" from human society, apparently couldn't care less. Later, Haruru also expresses concern to Natsu about Natsu's troubled brother.
Playing with Dog at the river, the brothers are intercepted by the detectives. Spooked, Natsu flees on foot with Fuyu in tow. Pursued by the detectives, the brothers escape into a nearby building-a planetarium. Fuyu, seemingly unaware of the danger, talks to himself, and imagines massacring the audience enjoying the planetarium show. The detectives arrive and start to close in on Fuyu. In desperation, Natsu gets between his brother and the detectives, and stops the detectives in their tracks, pacifying them by wiping their memories.
Fuyu sprouts a strange metallic scimitar and prepares to down a pack of su-konbu (the sour Japanese snack that acts as an accelerant on the aliens). He raises the scimitar above the heads of the terrified audience, but is stopped by Natsu, who grabs the su-konbu from him and consumes it himself, before putting Fuyu in a clinch and shooting them both through the ceiling of the planetarium.
Holding Fuyu tight against him, Natsu soars above Tokyo Bay. He has a brief memory of his early childhood, of himself clutching his younger brother, and in that instant Fuyu manages to push himself away from Natsu. Natsu watches in horror as Fuyu free-falls and finally splashes down into the salty ocean below.
Dripping with blood, Fuyu strips out of her torn clothes and changes into a fresh schoolgirl uniform. Meanwhile in the attic at home, Natsu flips through his brother's diary-an amazing and bizarre collection of Fuyu's observations on Earth and human culture, behavior, and biology-and curses the dead transmitter in frustration.
After a harrowing trip home, during which she is overwhelmed by the thoughts of the passers-by pressing up against her, Fuyu returns home to find Natsu waiting up for her. He asks Fuyu what happened and offers her tea, but is met with cold stares. After a day working by himself at the convenience store, Natsu fails to rouse Fuyu, now returned to male form, who remains sacked out on the sofa.
The next day at the convenience store, Ogawa and Yamada, two detectives investigating Fuyu-ko's murders, arrive to question Natsu about some incriminating security camera footage of "Fuyu-ko" and "Natsu-chan." Natsu plays dumb, and the nosy detectives back off.
Natsu, having failed to find Fuyu at home, checks Fuyu's spacecraft, a strange geometrical pod parked in a Tokyo alley. Sitting by himself on a Tokyo rooftop, Fuyu senses Natsu's presence at the parked spacecraft, and heads there to meet him. The two argue-Natsu is concerned about the police and disturbed by Fuyu-ko's murders, but Fuyu, increasingly "alienated" from human society, apparently couldn't care less. Later, Haruru also expresses concern to Natsu about Natsu's troubled brother.
Playing with Dog at the river, the brothers are intercepted by the detectives. Spooked, Natsu flees on foot with Fuyu in tow. Pursued by the detectives, the brothers escape into a nearby building-a planetarium. Fuyu, seemingly unaware of the danger, talks to himself, and imagines massacring the audience enjoying the planetarium show. The detectives arrive and start to close in on Fuyu. In desperation, Natsu gets between his brother and the detectives, and stops the detectives in their tracks, pacifying them by wiping their memories.
Fuyu sprouts a strange metallic scimitar and prepares to down a pack of su-konbu (the sour Japanese snack that acts as an accelerant on the aliens). He raises the scimitar above the heads of the terrified audience, but is stopped by Natsu, who grabs the su-konbu from him and consumes it himself, before putting Fuyu in a clinch and shooting them both through the ceiling of the planetarium.
Holding Fuyu tight against him, Natsu soars above Tokyo Bay. He has a brief memory of his early childhood, of himself clutching his younger brother, and in that instant Fuyu manages to push himself away from Natsu. Natsu watches in horror as Fuyu free-falls and finally splashes down into the salty ocean below.
Sun, Sep 16, 2018
Tokyo Alien Bros. episode 9 "Heart"
Natsu finds Fuyu washed up on the shore-all dissolved in the sea water except for a small slimy remnant that reconstitutes as a nervous little dog.
Natsu leads the Fuyu-dog back home, where the diminutive canine rediscovers the apartment from a new perspective. The next day Natsu finds the Fuyu-dog happily exploring the riverside, reveling in its newfound freedoms. Later, on their balcony, the Fuyu-dog accuses Natsu of having abandoned their mission, and actually liking the human world.
Having given his human form up completely, the Fuyu-dog runs away from the brothers' home. Natsu searches the apartment and surroundings in vain. One day he wakes from a horrible dream only to realize anew his brother's absence, and confides in the middle-aged lady Akiko. She mobilizes their neighborhood friends to post notices about the missing pooch around town while Natsu continues the desperate search for his brother.
Meanwhile, the Fuyu-dog appears at Haruru's flat, limping and exhausted. And, amazingly, Haruru guesses the dog's true identity, as Fuyunosuke and, furthermore, as an alien. A strange conversation ensues, Haruru speaking to the little dog as to a person, and the dog transmitting his thoughts directly to Haruru's brain. Fuyu sadly confesses that he remains as confused about human behavior as when he first arrived on the planet a year prior. Taking a walk through the neighborhood, they observe Natsu and his friends canvasing door-to-door, inquiring as to the his brother's whereabouts, and the Fuyu-dog is forced to admit that humans do indeed have their good points. The Fuyu-dog bids Haruru farewell and asks her to look after his brother; at the apartment, he leaves a farewell message for Natsu in the brain of the brothers' pet dog.
"Fuyu" leaves Tokyo in his spacecraft (heretofore camouflaged as a playground slide).
Natsu finds Fuyu washed up on the shore-all dissolved in the sea water except for a small slimy remnant that reconstitutes as a nervous little dog.
Natsu leads the Fuyu-dog back home, where the diminutive canine rediscovers the apartment from a new perspective. The next day Natsu finds the Fuyu-dog happily exploring the riverside, reveling in its newfound freedoms. Later, on their balcony, the Fuyu-dog accuses Natsu of having abandoned their mission, and actually liking the human world.
Having given his human form up completely, the Fuyu-dog runs away from the brothers' home. Natsu searches the apartment and surroundings in vain. One day he wakes from a horrible dream only to realize anew his brother's absence, and confides in the middle-aged lady Akiko. She mobilizes their neighborhood friends to post notices about the missing pooch around town while Natsu continues the desperate search for his brother.
Meanwhile, the Fuyu-dog appears at Haruru's flat, limping and exhausted. And, amazingly, Haruru guesses the dog's true identity, as Fuyunosuke and, furthermore, as an alien. A strange conversation ensues, Haruru speaking to the little dog as to a person, and the dog transmitting his thoughts directly to Haruru's brain. Fuyu sadly confesses that he remains as confused about human behavior as when he first arrived on the planet a year prior. Taking a walk through the neighborhood, they observe Natsu and his friends canvasing door-to-door, inquiring as to the his brother's whereabouts, and the Fuyu-dog is forced to admit that humans do indeed have their good points. The Fuyu-dog bids Haruru farewell and asks her to look after his brother; at the apartment, he leaves a farewell message for Natsu in the brain of the brothers' pet dog.
"Fuyu" leaves Tokyo in his spacecraft (heretofore camouflaged as a playground slide).
Sun, Sep 23, 2018
Tokyo Alien Bros. episode 10 "Brothers"
Natsu sips tea on the balcony and stares at the evening sky. Akiko expresses concern for Natsu's well-being, and together with Natsu, they bury one of Fuyu's pet jellyfish, recently expired.
At the apartment, Haruru reveals to Natsu that she knows about the brothers' extraterrestrial origins. After she leaves, Natsu flips through a stack of Fuyu's photographs-Fuyu himself is absent from all but one, a selfie of the two brothers sitting atop the Tokyo Skytree, Fuyu grinning and Natsu forcing an unnatural smile.
At the convenience store, a plain-looking girl (Hana, from episode 1) recognizes Natsu as her "brother" (indeed, Natsu's human form was constructed from her memories of her now-dead brother). But Natsu waves her off, insisting that she is mistaken.
It is winter now-months have passed since Fuyu's departure. Okabe cheers on as Natsu struggles to ride a bicycle along the banks of the river. Later, Natsu watches from a distance as the hapless Okabe asks Chinami out and is (once again) rejected.
After finishing up work one day, Natsu finds Hana waiting for him outside the convenience store. They end up at the brothers' apartment, sipping tea in the living room. Hana tearfully explains her own brother's recent death, and marvels at Natsu's resemblance. Without a hint of irony, Natsu offers to help Hana forget her brother. Hana replies that though she'd never want to forget her brother.
Spring comes. Natsu and his friends-Okabe, Chinami, Akiko, Haruru, and a few others-enjoy a picnic under the cherry blossoms. Where human relationships are concerned, Natsu is as mystified as ever.
While taking Dog for a walk around the neighborhood, Natsu is startled by the familiar sound of a camera shutter clicking. What appears at a distance to be an old man taking photos of the cherry blossoms, is revealed at second glance as Fuyunosuke. Fuyunosuke greets his brother with a meek smile, somehow humbled, somehow wiser for the past year.
Later at the riverside, Natsu invites Fuyu to get on the back of his bike. After a few false starts, the two alien brothers speed along the banks of the river, music blasting from the cassette deck.
Natsu sips tea on the balcony and stares at the evening sky. Akiko expresses concern for Natsu's well-being, and together with Natsu, they bury one of Fuyu's pet jellyfish, recently expired.
At the apartment, Haruru reveals to Natsu that she knows about the brothers' extraterrestrial origins. After she leaves, Natsu flips through a stack of Fuyu's photographs-Fuyu himself is absent from all but one, a selfie of the two brothers sitting atop the Tokyo Skytree, Fuyu grinning and Natsu forcing an unnatural smile.
At the convenience store, a plain-looking girl (Hana, from episode 1) recognizes Natsu as her "brother" (indeed, Natsu's human form was constructed from her memories of her now-dead brother). But Natsu waves her off, insisting that she is mistaken.
It is winter now-months have passed since Fuyu's departure. Okabe cheers on as Natsu struggles to ride a bicycle along the banks of the river. Later, Natsu watches from a distance as the hapless Okabe asks Chinami out and is (once again) rejected.
After finishing up work one day, Natsu finds Hana waiting for him outside the convenience store. They end up at the brothers' apartment, sipping tea in the living room. Hana tearfully explains her own brother's recent death, and marvels at Natsu's resemblance. Without a hint of irony, Natsu offers to help Hana forget her brother. Hana replies that though she'd never want to forget her brother.
Spring comes. Natsu and his friends-Okabe, Chinami, Akiko, Haruru, and a few others-enjoy a picnic under the cherry blossoms. Where human relationships are concerned, Natsu is as mystified as ever.
While taking Dog for a walk around the neighborhood, Natsu is startled by the familiar sound of a camera shutter clicking. What appears at a distance to be an old man taking photos of the cherry blossoms, is revealed at second glance as Fuyunosuke. Fuyunosuke greets his brother with a meek smile, somehow humbled, somehow wiser for the past year.
Later at the riverside, Natsu invites Fuyu to get on the back of his bike. After a few false starts, the two alien brothers speed along the banks of the river, music blasting from the cassette deck.