The first episode of Mission: Yozakura Family was broadcasted on April 7, 2024, at 5 pm JST on MBS, TBS, and other related networks in Japan. The introduction of the main characters and a powerful scene at the end, in which Taiyo promises to protect Mutsumi, were highlights of the episode.
Without a doubt, Silver Link studios has successfully captured the essence of the manga in their adaptation, portraying Taiyo’s past and the action scenes with great accuracy. The first episode of Mission: Yozakura Family brilliantly foreshadows what is to come for fans of the series.
Insights into Taiyo Asano’s past and his relationship with Mutsumi in Mission: Yozakura Family episode 1
The first episode of Mission: Yozakura Family opens with Taiyo Asano reflecting on the car accident that changed his life. Despite surviving the crash, he tragically lost his parents and younger brother. This event was a turning point for Taiyo, as it taught him two crucial lessons about life.
Firstly, it is often only after something is taken away that one truly understands its significance. Secondly, the things that hold the most importance to us can be lost in the blink of an eye. This was the case for Taiyo, whose personality was completely transformed after a car accident. He became hesitant to form close connections with others, worried that they too may one day vanish from his life.
Despite this, the first episode of Mission: Yozakura Family revealed that Mutsumi Yozakura, Taiyo’s childhood friend, had made a promise to always be by his side. During his family’s funeral, the blue-haired girl tightly held Taiyo’s hands, providing him with reassurance that he had someone he could rely on.
Afterwards, in Mission: Yozakura Family episode 1, the story shifts back to the present where Taiyo Asano is shown at school. His classmates invite him to join them, but Taiyo’s reserved personality holds him back. Mutsumi appears and takes on a maternal role towards Taiyo, expressing concern that he may end up alone for the rest of his life.
As she kindly advises her friend to let go of the incident and work on improving his communication skills, Mr. Hirukawa, the teacher of Taiyo and Mutsumi, unexpectedly enters and interrupts their conversation.
After engaging in some lighthearted teasing with Taiyo and Mutsumi, the mysterious man invites the boy to come to his office. Once there, Hirukawa unveils his compilation of pictures featuring Mitsumi Yozakura.
Hirukawa confesses to Taiyo that he has been discreetly keeping an eye on the blue-haired girl and eliminating her admirers, referring to them as “pests.”In episode 1 of Mission: Yozakura Family, it is also uncovered that Hirukawa went as far as threatening Tanaka, a senior student, to stop communicating with Mutsumi.
Despite the platonic nature of her relationship with Taiyo, he disapproves of it and becomes agitated when the enigmatic man pulls out a knife and holds it to the boy’s throat. However, their dire situation is interrupted by the arrival of a white-haired girl who comes to Taiyo’s rescue.
Taiyo’s introduction to Mutsumi’s family
Upon awakening, he becomes aware of Mutsumi’s presence and four other unfamiliar individuals. In episode 1 of Mission: Yozakura Family, it is revealed that Mutsumi, Taiyo’s childhood friend, comes from a prominent family of spies known as the Yozakura. She then proceeds to introduce Taiyo Asano to her siblings.
Furthermore, the boy discovers that Mr. Hirukawa is none other than Kyoichiro Yozakura, Mutsumi’s older brother. The two siblings reveal that he is the most skilled spy in their family.
Despite being the top performer, Kyoichiro in episode 1 of Mission: Yozakura Family reveals that he once made a mistake that resulted in Mutsumi getting injured and experiencing distress. As a result, he has become excessively protective of his sister, removing anything he perceives as a danger to her.
The Yozakura siblings inform Taiyo about a tip that Kyoichiro had received, which stated that someone close to Mutsumi was plotting against her. Despite Kyoichiro’s animosity towards Taiyo, he chose to overlook it because Taiyo was Mutsumi’s childhood friend.
Despite the tip, he has found a way to justify getting rid of the boy. Since Kyoichiro refuses to listen to reason, his siblings have no choice but to confront him. However, it’s a risky decision considering Kyoichiro’s reputation as the most powerful spy in the family.
At that moment, Futaba, one of the Yozakura siblings, discloses a way for Taiyo Asano to guarantee his survival – marrying Mutsumi. Futaba clarifies that by becoming Mutsumi’s husband, Taiyo will be exempt from the family’s sole rule that prohibits members from harming one another.
Therefore, it is customary for every Yozakura to possess a double-banded Cherry Blossom ring. By giving the other half of the ring to someone, a marriage is formed. However, Mutsumi opposes this tradition as she does not want to pressure her friend into joining her family, especially since he recently lost his parents.
Therefore, the only course of action is to engage in a battle against Kyoichiro. In episode 1 of Mission: Yozakura Family, the eldest brother is seen entering the room stealthily while they are in the middle of their conversation.
Despite Futaba and the rest of the group’s pleas for Kyoichiro to avoid Mutsumi and Taiyo, he refuses to listen and a battle ensues. Each of the Yozakura siblings showcases their own distinct fighting style.
Although all of them were strong, none were a match for Kyoichiro’s strength. Mutsumi leads Taiyo to a shelter and urges him to stay inside until she gives the signal. Despite her best efforts to persuade her brother, she is unable to succeed.
Despite his good intentions, Kyoichiro’s overwhelming desire to protect his sister leads him to impose extreme restrictions on her life. However, in his single-minded pursuit, he fails to see that these restrictions may actually limit Mutsumi’s life instead.
The scene continues to depict Taiyo Asano emerging from the closet and approaching Kyoichiro Yozakura. Having gone through a similar struggle himself, Taiyo empathizes with Kyoichiro’s emotions. However, this is precisely why he recognizes the wrongdoing in the situation.
Taiyo’s Promise: Protecting Mutsumi with the Cherry Blossom Ring
The boy reassures Mutsumi that he will adhere to her sister’s plan and reminds her that she had promised to stay by his side. Mutsumi’s eyes fill with tears as she smiles and tosses the Cherry Blossom Ring to Taiyo.
Despite Kyoichiro’s attempt to restrain him with thin wires, the boy bravely grabs the ring and puts it on, even though he is bleeding profusely. He is determined to protect Mutsumi and joins the elite spy family as a red-haired protagonist.
Futaba concludes Yozakura Family episode 1 by playfully teasing Kyoichiro and reminding him of his responsibility to teach Taiyo the true meaning of protecting Mutsumi, now that he is a part of their family.
The release date and time for episode 1 of Mission: Yozakura Family.
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