English Dub Review: Akebi’s Sailor Uniform “I Want to Learn Lots”

Overview (Spoilers Below):
Ohkuma Minoru knows a lot about animals and insects. Komichi knows a lot about various creatures due to her country upbringing. After learning that they have these things in common, Minoru and Komichi decide to observe their classmates together.

Our Take:
I hope you’re don’t have entomophobia or herpetophobia or any phobia involving small creatures because this episode has more creepy crawlies than you can shake a leg at. The fifth episode places its focus on another classmate from Roubai Academy. One that isn’t afraid to observe any tiny creature in existence.
The classmate I’m mentioning is Minoru Ohkuma, an enthusiast of insects, amphibians, and reptiles. Based on her persona, it does seem like no one else is that enthusiastic over these bugs. Well, except Akebi, who is always eager to experience different things with her due to her comfortability around insects.
The storyline once again delivers a formula in which Akebi hangs out with one of her classmates and knows more about them. While the previous episodes have Akebi meeting her classmates for the first time, this episode has her reuniting with a couple of students she’s encountered before. The beginning of the episode showcases a young Minoru discovering Akebi and her sister while observing the insects. Later on, we have another student named Ayumi Tougeguchi, who has a handkerchief Akebi gave her during their entrance exams.
The previous episodes have shown how Akebi’s kind-hearted spirit inspires those around her in the Academy. However, this episode shows that her inspiration happened to the characters before they became classmates at Roubai Academy. Because of this, I couldn’t help but feel more appreciated over the main character’s sincerity both in and outside the Academy.
As for the plot itself, it’s basically about Akebi and Minoru observing and documenting other classmates together, including Hotaru Hiraiwa, who’s struggling to reach an item near the top of the vending machine. There’s not much else to say about this harmless mini-adventure outside of schoolwork, other than the fact that it played off the embarrassing moments effectively regarding the humor. Although, when I look at it from a different perspective, it does seem like they’re stalking other people without consent. But since this is a mild slice-of-life show about a girl in a sailor uniform, I guess they can get away with anything at this point.
Overall, “I Want to Learn Lots” has learned a lot regarding the characters’ observations and past encounters. The plot does seem a bit awkward when looking at it from a different point of view, but that didn’t stop it from being another enjoyable slice-of-life episode. Although, it probably won’t give anyone the courage to observe insects like Minoru. However, I do admire Minoru’s curiosity and bravery towards them.