English Dub Review: A Condition Called Love “His First Birthday”

Overview

Hotaru and Saki’s plan to spend his birthday together falls through when Hotaru has a family event suddenly crop up. The thing is, even while she’s with her family, she just can’t stop thinking about him…

Our Take

In an unfortunate dilemma, Saki’s birthday and the memorial service for Hotaru’s grandfather fall on the same day, creating a poignant dilemma for Hotaru. Despite her family’s obligations, Hotaru wants to make Saki’s birthday special. This episode attempts to show the depth of their relationship, even as Hotaru struggles with her feelings and Saki’s insecurities come to light. The character dynamics and their interactions bring out both the adorable and frustrating aspects of their relationship.

Meanwhile, Saki reflects on his painful past, revealing his parents’ emotional distance and his longing for genuine connections. The entire sequence is a bit difficult to watch due to how badly his parents kinda are in terms of neglect, and Saki’s struggle to overcome his possessive tendencies adds a layer of complexity to his character, however this moment of reflection if anything leads to an unexpected and wholesome outcome that tells us more about his past than we ever wanted to know…

Overall, this episode deepens the storyline by exploring Hananoi’s past and his growing bond with Hotaru. The interactions between Hotaru and her sister add a layer of warmth and support, contrasting with Hananoi’s lonely upbringing. As Hananoi begins to overcome his insecurities and Hotaru continues to influence him positively, their relationship shows growth potential. The episode ends on a hopeful note, with Hotaru managing to make Hananoi’s birthday memorable, despite the challenges they face.