Kodocha Season 1 Episode 17 Mother's Book of Surprises

Sana Kurata, the 11-year-old child actress and her mother, Misako Kurata, who is a rather interesting character, are the main characters of Kodocha season 1. In episode 17 of the show, titled "Mother's Book of Surprises", we see the audience getting a scope to know more about Misako's past and her relationship with Sana.

Throughout the episode, we get a glimpse of Misako's life as a young woman working as a TV show producer. She had her own share of struggles as the job was considered to be male-dominated and incredibly challenging for women. Misako was determined to succeed, and so she was always giving her best effort. She eventually climbed the ladder of success and became one of the top producers in her field. We also learn that the job demands of her left her very little time for her family.

In the present day, Sana and Misako are in a bookstore, where Misako's former colleague recognizes her. His presence there makes Misako feel uncomfortable and it is easy to see that she doesn't want to talk about her past with him. Sana curiously asks her mother what their conversation was about, to which Misako does not give a clear answer. Sana then accidentally drops a book that Misako had written in her youth, and this evokes a strong emotional reaction from her mother.

The book is titled "A Child's Melancholy", and it's about a young girl who was made to feel like a burden by her mother. Misako reveals to Sana that the story is based on her life, and she wrote it as a way to cope with her feelings of being unwanted. She tells Sana that she wrote the book as a teenager and that it was published under a pseudonym. Misako has never shared this book or her real identity with anyone, including her family.

As the episode progresses, Misako begins to regret not thinking before publishing the book and possibly causing misunderstandings between her and her own mother. The book also deepens the viewer's understanding of Misako as an individual, and the struggles she has gone through in her childhood. Sana tries to comfort her mother and encourage her to have more confidence in herself.

Later on, Misako's colleague finds them at a park and this time he brings along a copy of "A Child's Melancholy", which Misako had gifted him in the past. He tells Misako about the book's impact on him professionally and personally, including his attitude towards women. He also reveals that as a teenager, he himself had felt assigned by his own mother, and the book had spoken to him and helped him to heal.

Towards the end of the episode, we see Sana slowly opening up and sharing her feelings regarding Misako's absence during her childhood. The viewers witness that despite Misako's busy schedule, she truly cares for Sana and tries to make up for lost time whenever possible. Misako and Sana promise to be more open with each other and strengthen their bond.

Overall, Kodocha season 1 episode 17 is a heartfelt and thoughtful episode, which highlights the central characters' emotional struggles and growth as individuals and as a family. Viewers get a perception of Misako's hidden past, which adds to her complexities as a multi-dimensional character. The bonding between Sana and her mother is charming, and this episode ensures that it will touch the viewer's heartstrings.