Ep 10. Since I'm Not Popular, the Second Term Is Starting

Tomoko Kuroki's second term in high school has just begun, and she is still struggling to make friends and become popular. In episode 10 of WataMote, titled "Since I'm Not Popular, the Second Term Is Starting," Tomoko's desperation to fit in leads her to attempt various methods to become popular, including joining a sports club and trying to change her appearance.

However, her efforts are futile and she remains isolated and alone. The pressure of trying to fit in takes a toll on Tomoko, and she begins to feel overwhelmed and depressed. She retreats into her own mind and begins to daydream about a world where she is popular and admired.

As Tomoko continues to spiral into despair, her younger brother, Tomoki, tries to cheer her up by inviting her to watch a movie with him. Tomoko, however, sees this as another opportunity to become popular and convinces her brother to take her to a movie that she believes will be popular with her classmates.

The movie turns out to be a horror film, and Tomoko becomes terrified and embarrassed when she realizes that it is not a popular choice among her peers. She becomes so distraught that she runs out of the theater and into the rain, where she meets a classmate who is also struggling with social anxiety.

The two girls share a moment of understanding and support each other in their struggles to fit in. Tomoko realizes that she is not alone in her feelings of isolation and begins to see that there is more to life than being popular.

Overall, "Since I'm Not Popular, the Second Term Is Starting" is a poignant exploration of the challenges of adolescence and the pressure to fit in. Through Tomoko's struggles, the episode highlights the importance of self-acceptance and the value of true friendship.