Ep 7. Childhood... Friends...

Episode 7 of Sankarea season 1, titled "Childhood... Friends....", dives into the past as it explores the complex bond between the two main characters, Chihiro Furuya and Rea Sanka. The episode sheds light on their childhood friendship and adds depth to their present-day relationship.

The episode begins with Chihiro reminiscing about his childhood, particularly the time he spent with Rea. Flashbacks take us back to a time when Chihiro and Rea were just kids, living in the same neighborhood and attending the same school. Chihiro has always been fascinated by zombies and the concept of resurrection, while Rea has been captivated by Chihiro's unique interests and his kind-hearted nature.

As children, Chihiro and Rea spent countless hours together, exploring their mutual fascination with death and the supernatural. They often played make-believe, pretending to be zombies and engaging in imaginative adventures. Their innocent friendship soon grows into a stronger bond, as they share their dreams and secrets with each other.

However, their childhood joy is overshadowed by the parental pressures and expectations they both face. Chihiro's father, Dan'ichirō Furuya, expects his son to follow in the family footsteps and become a great doctor. Meanwhile, Rea's father, Dan'ichirō's former mentor, controls every aspect of her life, leaving her feeling trapped and suffocated.

As they become teenagers, Chihiro and Rea's friendship starts to waver due to the increasing responsibilities and tensions in their lives. Chihiro becomes focused on his zombie-related experiments, devoting all his time to finding a way to bring the dead back to life. Rea, on the other hand, is coerced into an arranged marriage, heightening her unhappiness and deepening the divide between her and Chihiro.

Despite the growing distance, Chihiro and Rea's feelings for each other remain unresolved. They both struggle with unspoken emotions and an unbreakable connection that refuses to fade away. Even though they have gone their separate ways, the memories of their childhood friendship continue to shape their lives.

In the present day, Chihiro finds himself drawn to Rea, not just out of sympathy for her situation but also as a result of their shared childhood memories. He desires to bring back their lost connection and rebuild their friendship. Meanwhile, Rea harbors her own conflicted feelings towards Chihiro, torn between the expectations placed upon her and the longing for the carefree days of their past.

"Childhood... Friends...." delves into the complex emotions that arise when cherished childhood relationships encounter the harsh realities of adulthood. It explores the depth of Chihiro and Rea's connection and the challenges they must overcome to rediscover their friendship. As the episode unfolds, viewers are taken on an emotional journey that examines themes of identity, societal pressure, and the lasting impact of childhood bonds.

This episode of Sankarea season 1 highlights the importance of nurturing and cherishing childhood friendships. It delves into the regrets and sacrifices that come with growing up, but also reminds us of the potential for healing and renewal, even in the face of adversity. With its poignant storytelling and introspective character development, "Childhood... Friends...." offers viewers a heartfelt exploration of the human connections that shape our lives.