Ep 10. We Watched the First Sunrise of the Year Broadcast, Subtitled

In the tenth episode of Non Non Biyori season 1, titled "We Watched the First Sunrise of the Year Broadcast, Subtitled," we see the students of Asahigaoka Branch School excitedly preparing for New Year's Day. The episode starts off with the students rushing to make it in time to participate in a traditional New Year's shrine visit, where they have to climb a steep hill to reach the shrine. The students, especially Renge, are in awe of the beautiful scenery, and take in all the traditional activities of the day.

Next, the kids prepare for the annual New Year's television special, during which the residents of Asahigaoka gather at a communal space to watch the broadcast and celebrate together. The anticipation is palpable as the residents set up the TV and choose the right position to watch the sunrise from. As we watch, we see the children of the hamlet excitedly counting down to the day's first sunrise, with great expectation of what the year will bring.

Throughout the episode, we see Renge, Hotaru, Natsumi, and Komari engage in lighthearted and playful activities while they wait, such as playing games and imitating their favorite TV characters. Finally, the moment arrives, and we see the sunrise in all its splendor.

The episode is full of heartwarming moments as we see the children embrace each other and bid farewell to the previous year, while looking forward to what the new year will bring. The themes of friendship, family, and tradition are prominent in this episode, as we see the children engage in activities that have been passed down from generation to generation. The episode also offers a glimpse into the simple and peaceful life that the residents of Asahigaoka lead.

The animation is vibrant and detailed, with the scenery beautifully depicted, capturing the essence of rural Japan. The voice acting is superb, especially as we see different characters express their excitement and anticipation for the upcoming new year.

Overall, this episode captures the spirit of New Year's in Japan, with its traditional activities and customs. It is a joy to watch as we see the children embrace these customs and come together to celebrate the beginning of a new year. If you're looking for a heartwarming and wholesome episode that captures the essence of Japanese culture, then Non Non Biyori season 1 episode 10 is a must-watch.