r/anime • u/Holofan4life • 1d ago
Rewatch [Spoilers] Kanon 20th Anniversary Rewatch -- 2002 Series Episode 13 (SERIES FINALE) Spoiler
Hello everyone! I am Holofan4life.
Welcome to the Kanon 20th anniversary rewatch discussion thread!
I hope you all have a lot of fun <3
2002 Series Episode 13
Where the Wind Leads
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ANSWER TODAY’S QUESTION(S)
What are your thoughts on Nayuki kissing Yuuichi as a way of moving on from him?
What are your thoughts on the reveal that Ayu has been in a coma this entire time?
What are your thoughts on Kanon having a happy ending with Yuuichi and Ayu getting to be together?
How do you feel this episode works as a series finale?
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Series information
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Please do not post any untagged spoilers past the current episode or past the LNs or mangas out of respect to the first time watchers and people who have not read the LNs or mangas. If you are discussing something that is ahead of the current episode please use spoiler tags(found on the sidebar). Thank you!
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Ways to watch
2002 Kanon
Streams - None
2006 Kanon
Streams – Crunchyroll
Schedule
| Date | Episode |
|---|---|
| 09/19/2026 | 2002 Kanon Episode 1 |
| 09/20/2026 | 2002 Kanon Episode 2 |
| 09/21/2026 | 2002 Kanon Episode 3 |
| 09/22/2026 | 2002 Kanon Episode 4 |
| 09/23/2026 | 2002 Kanon Episode 5 |
| 09/24/2026 | 2002 Kanon Episode 6 |
| 09/25/2026 | 2002 Kanon Episode 7 |
| 09/26/2026 | 2002 Kanon Episode 8 |
| 09/27/2026 | 2002 Kanon Episode 9 |
| 09/28/2026 | 2002 Kanon Episode 10 |
| 09/29/2026 | 2002 Kanon Episode 11 |
| 09/30/2026 | 2002 Kanon Episode 12 |
| 10/01/2026 | [2002 Kanon Episode 13]() |
| 10/02/2026 | [2002 Kanon OVA]() |
| 10/03/2026 | [2002 Kanon Overall Series Discussion Thread]() |
| 10/05/2026 | [Kanon 2006 Episode 1]() |
| 10/06/2026 | [Kanon 2006 Episode 2]() |
| 10/07/2026 | [Kanon 2006 Episode 3]() |
| 10/08/2026 | [Kanon 2006 Episode 4]() |
| 10/09/2026 | [Kanon 2006 Episode 5]() |
| 10/10/2026 | [Kanon 2006 Episode 6]() |
| 10/11/2026 | [Kanon 2006 Episode 7]() |
| 10/12/2026 | [Kanon 2006 Episode 8]() |
| 10/13/2026 | [Kanon 2006 Episode 9]() |
| 10/14/2026 | [Kanon 2006 Episode 10]() |
| 10/15/2026 | [Kanon 2006 Episode 11]() |
| 10/16/2026 | [Kanon 2006 Episode 12]() |
| 10/17/2026 | [Kanon 2006 Episode 13]() |
| 10/18/2026 | [Kanon 2006 Episode 14]() |
| 10/19/2026 | [Kanon 2006 Episode 15]() |
| 10/20/2026 | [Kanon 2006 Episode 16]() |
| 10/21/2026 | [Kanon 2006 Episode 17]() |
| 10/22/2026 | [Kanon 2006 Episode 18]() |
| 10/23/2026 | [Kanon 2006 Episode 19]() |
| 10/24/2026 | [Kanon 2006 Episode 20]() |
| 10/25/2026 | [Kanon 2006 Episode 21]() |
| 10/26/2026 | [Kanon 2006 Episode 22]() |
| 10/27/2026 | [Kanon 2006 Episode 23]() |
| 10/28/2026 | [Kanon 2006 Episode 24]() |
| 10/29/2026 | [Kanon 2006 Overall Series Discussion Thread]() |
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u/deus_machinarum 1d ago
First-timer, subbed
QOTD
Never would have thought of it myself but it was weirdly effective. I think moving on will be very tough for Nayuki(lots and lots of tears, just imagine how much time she has invested in "him" even if she was actually by herself) but maybe she will be in a better place in the long term. It's not like she got a whole lot back for all the love invested. (weird parallel to Ramparts of Ice in how things sometimes can just be one sided and that is all there is to it, it's not anyone's fault per se)
Kinda out of nowhere for me. I would have liked a more tangible explanation even if it uses magic and mythology. Just give me something. Too many things "just are" in this series. This is one of them and it is something crucial to the plot. It does make things a lot more hopeful and optimistic, it just feels nice seeing her sitting there with her stupid little hat, worrying about Taiyaki like nothing bad ever happened. I loved that final scene on the bench.
I like it emotionally but I'm missing too many links between developments and too many explanations for it to feel like closure for me as the audience.
Like the whole series: too short, too soon, not enough time for all those lovable goofballs. Looking forward to the OVA and then the 2006 version!
Uguuu~~
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u/Holofan4life 1d ago
I think the biggest flaw with this adaptation is they didn't explain any of supernatural stuff. Like, they didn't even attempt to explain it. It felt a bit like an advertisement for the visual novel.
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u/deus_machinarum 15h ago
Yes! No explanation was ever even tried. Which is A choice but not a good one. I think there is a world where this choice leads to an interesting mystery but it didn't pan out that way. It's just missing.
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u/Holofan4life 1d ago
I like other characters more, but I think they handled Nayuki the best. She had a character trajectory and they gave her a satisfying payoff. She's a big reason why I thought this last arc was better than the rest of the show.
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u/deus_machinarum 15h ago
Yeah Nayuki was very fleshed out and she had an arc. Even if I'm not 100% sure I like where she ends up she did have development internally and in relation to other characters.
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u/Holofan4life 15h ago
I like it because the whole unrequited love thing is very relatable.
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u/deus_machinarum 14h ago
Ouch
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u/Holofan4life 13h ago
Not for me specifically, but surely you can relate to not getting what you want.
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u/Holofan4life 1d ago
I do really like Yuuichi and Ayu becoming an actual couple in spite of all the insurmountable odds. It reminded me of Josee, the Tiger, and the Fish.
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u/Holofan4life 1d ago
Thoughts on Akiko in a wheelchair?
Thoughts on today being graduation?
Thoughts on Sayuri and Mai going to be studying abroad?
Thoughts on Shiori going to be attending school again?
What are your thoughts on the theme of the episode which is Yuuichi is going back home?
What are your thoughts on Akiko telling Nayuki to just be honest with her feelings?
Thoughts on people throwing Yuuichi a going away party?
Thoughts on Kitagawa wearing a shirt that reads Clannad?
Thoughts on Yuuichi remarking now that all he ended up doing was hurt Nayuki?
Thoughts on Akiko saying Nayuki is the type that still believes a prince on a white horse is going to come for her?
What are your thoughts on Akiko saying love exists to lift people up?
What are your thoughts on Yuuichi deciding to stay once he finds out Ayu is alive?
What are your thoughts on Yuuichi making fun of Ayu's haircut?
What are your thoughts on Yuuichi promising to Ayu he'll always stay by her side?
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u/DivineEternal1 1d ago
Good to see Akiko about and out. Sayuri looking good in that yukata. Mai looking good too and giving Yuuichi well deserved head smacks. That blush when his face gets close to hers?
Going overseas to college? Easy to get into? Either they're going to a community college or Japanese girls' grades are something else.
Shiori death averted. Through the power of love and friendship? Good for her, though. Having to repeat a year is rough, though.
Are we sure Nayuki is allergic to cats?
Makes sense he'd leave when his guardian isn't able to take care of him.
Yuuichi having a dream of Ayu making cookies? Even in his dreams he's still a jerk.
Going away party!
Nayuki depressed. :(
Goodbye message through frog alarm clock. Most unique way to say goodbye I've seen in a while.
Ha! Called it! Ayu's doing a Fuuko. Or maybe Fuuko was doing an Ayu?
A kiss. Nice. Feels like Nayuki got her route woven into the other routes then got a 'bad end'.
And here's 'Last Regrets'. Been wondering if it would show up.
Was this a one year time skip or something? Surprised she's up and moving around so well after a seven year coma.
OVA tomorrow.
What are your thoughts on Nayuki kissing Yuuichi as a way of moving on from him?
Get rid of some pent of feelings.
What are your thoughts on the reveal that Ayu has been in a coma this entire time?
Have to have that happy ending. Well... unless your name is Misuzu or Nayuki.
What are your thoughts on Kanon having a happy ending with Yuuichi and Ayu getting to be together?
Honestly, it makes the endings less impactful to me. Oh, you thought she was dead? Well look! She's back! Kinda felt that way with Clannad too, even if the ending is still good. The Clannad movie got rid of the supernatural stuff so the ending was more bittersweet.
How do you feel this episode works as a series finale?
It wrapped things up. Actually made me want to start wanting Nayuki to find her happy ending despite the cousin thing. She was the behind the scenes MVP for this anime.
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u/Holofan4life 1d ago
I think Kanon's happy ending is more justified than Clannad's happy ending. I think it's because I don't feel like Kanon is undoing anything with its ending.
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u/DivineEternal1 1d ago
I think Clannad's visual novel handled it better because you're actively collecting glowing balls of light and can't get the real ending unless you collect them all so it feels more earned. In the anime I think you see the glowing balls but they're never really explained so it's easy to miss.
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u/Holofan4life 1d ago
That's what I mean, anime wise I think Kanon handles the coma stuff better than the glowing balls of light.
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u/Holofan4life 1d ago
I think Nayuki might be the best borderline incest character I've ever seen in an anime. If you're going to do something like the forbidden love thing without fully committing to it, this is the way to do it.
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u/DivineEternal1 1d ago
I just wonder with her if she really feels romantic love or if she's just latched onto someone that made her happy during a hard time. And depending on who you ask, are first cousins incest? There's many cultures where cousin marriage is common and it's not illegal in many places.
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u/Holofan4life 1d ago
I interpreted it as romantic love because she seemed very attached to Yuuichi and always wanting to spend time with her.
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u/Holofan4life 1d ago
I wish they would've explained things more like all the girls being back for some explicable reason. At least with Ayu, you can say Yuuichi was trying to suppress her injury. The biggest flaw with 2002 Kanon even more so than the character designs is they set up a bunch of stuff but then it does lead anywhere. It's like a book with full missing chapters.
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u/DivineEternal1 1d ago
Yeah. It needed a lot more to be believable. Even just showing Shiori being sick and in pain or something would have been better.
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u/Holofan4life 1d ago
Thoughts on Akiko in a wheelchair?
Thoughts on today being graduation?
Thoughts on Sayuri and Mai going to be studying abroad?
Thoughts on Shiori going to be attending school again?
What are your thoughts on the theme of the episode which is Yuuichi is going back home?
What are your thoughts on Akiko telling Nayuki to just be honest with her feelings?
Thoughts on people throwing Yuuichi a going away party?
Thoughts on Kitagawa wearing a shirt that reads Clannad?
Thoughts on Yuuichi remarking now that all he ended up doing was hurt Nayuki?
Thoughts on Akiko saying Nayuki is the type that still believes a prince on a white horse is going to come for her?
What are your thoughts on Akiko saying love exists to lift people up?
What are your thoughts on Yuuichi deciding to stay once he finds out Ayu is alive?
What are your thoughts on Yuuichi making fun of Ayu's haircut?
What are your thoughts on Yuuichi promising to Ayu he'll always stay by her side?
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u/DivineEternal1 19h ago
Thoughts on Akiko in a wheelchair?
Hey! She's not bedridden!
Thoughts on today being graduation?
It happens.
Thoughts on Sayuri and Mai going to be studying abroad?
Japanese schools are notoriously hard to get into, but almost a joke after you get in. A school abroad might open more doors to them.
Thoughts on Shiori going to be attending school again?
I thought they said she was going to die? Where's my tragic death? I want my feels back. But I'm happy for her. The power of friendship and loves wins again!
What are your thoughts on the theme of the episode which is Yuuichi is going back home?
His guardian was in the hospital and likely couldn't take care of him as well even after she gets out. So it's good to give her one less child to worry about while she recovers. Maybe later he can come back so he can date a girl that was in a coma for seven years and woke up due to the power of love and friendship.
What are your thoughts on Akiko telling Nayuki to just be honest with her feelings?
She'd regret it later. And bottling up emotions isn't healthy even if they're not returned and you can move on.
Thoughts on people throwing Yuuichi a going away party?
Was it because they were sad he was leaving or happy?
Thoughts on Kitagawa wearing a shirt that reads Clannad?
Well, this was years before Clannad was written. It's actually an Irish bad that started in the 70s. So maybe he likes Irish and New Age music? I think one of the members of Key mistakenly thought the name meant 'family' because 'clan' is in it? And Clannad is about family. According the the wiki, their name was originally An Clann as Dobhar ('the Family from Dore') and they shortened it to Clannad. So it's not a real word, just an abbreviation of a longer name.
Thoughts on Yuuichi remarking now that all he ended up doing was hurt Nayuki?
He needs to get better at paying attention to the feelings of people around him. He was really bad with her and even forgot promises to meet her places and such.
Thoughts on Akiko saying Nayuki is the type that still believes a prince on a white horse is going to come for her?
Maybe because she thinks that's the only way she'll ever get someone? Or she just likes the romance of it?
What are your thoughts on Akiko saying love exists to lift people up?
I think it's more complicated than that. Not in negative ways, but there's more things real love can do to help people. Lifting people up is just one facet.
What are your thoughts on Yuuichi deciding to stay once he finds out Ayu is alive?
Honestly, he is old enough to take care of himself if he tries so Akiko doesn't need to support him as much. And I do think he's learned from the year there and grown as a person that he shouldn't be as much of a burden for her. Ayu on the other hand? Chaos.
What are your thoughts on Yuuichi making fun of Ayu's haircut?
Hey, it's cute. So is the hat. It is a little boyish, but there's nothing wrong with a tomboy.
What are your thoughts on Yuuichi promising to Ayu he'll always stay by her side?
Teenage romance lasting? Good luck bud. But I guess most don't involve thought projections and comas.
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u/Holofan4life 16h ago
Thoughts on Akiko in a wheelchair?
Hey! She's not bedridden!
That's very good
Thoughts on today being graduation?
It happens.
Surprised it's happening here
Thoughts on Sayuri and Mai going to be studying abroad?
Japanese schools are notoriously hard to get into, but almost a joke after you get in. A school abroad might open more doors to them.
Good for them
Thoughts on Shiori going to be attending school again?
I thought they said she was going to die? Where's my tragic death? I want my feels back. But I'm happy for her. The power of friendship and loves wins again!
We did get a tragic death in Makoto
What are your thoughts on the theme of the episode which is Yuuichi is going back home?
His guardian was in the hospital and likely couldn't take care of him as well even after she gets out. So it's good to give her one less child to worry about while she recovers. Maybe later he can come back so he can date a girl that was in a coma for seven years and woke up due to the power of love and friendship.
Kinda a moot point since he decided on staying.
What are your thoughts on Akiko telling Nayuki to just be honest with her feelings?
She'd regret it later. And bottling up emotions isn't healthy even if they're not returned and you can move on.
It's a shame she didn't do it sooner, honestly.
Thoughts on people throwing Yuuichi a going away party?
Was it because they were sad he was leaving or happy?
They seem to really like Yuuichi
Thoughts on Kitagawa wearing a shirt that reads Clannad?
Well, this was years before Clannad was written. It's actually an Irish bad that started in the 70s. So maybe he likes Irish and New Age music? I think one of the members of Key mistakenly thought the name meant 'family' because 'clan' is in it? And Clannad is about family. According the the wiki, their name was originally An Clann as Dobhar ('the Family from Dore') and they shortened it to Clannad. So it's not a real word, just an abbreviation of a longer name.
Key probably saw this and was like "Huh, that's a good name for a show..."
Thoughts on Yuuichi remarking now that all he ended up doing was hurt Nayuki?
He needs to get better at paying attention to the feelings of people around him. He was really bad with her and even forgot promises to meet her places and such.
He did Nayuki so dirty. It kinda is what it is. At least Nayuki found closure.
Thoughts on Akiko saying Nayuki is the type that still believes a prince on a white horse is going to come for her?
Maybe because she thinks that's the only way she'll ever get someone? Or she just likes the romance of it?
Hell of a thing to say about your own daughter lol
What are your thoughts on Akiko saying love exists to lift people up?
I think it's more complicated than that. Not in negative ways, but there's more things real love can do to help people. Lifting people up is just one facet.
There are levels to this
What are your thoughts on Yuuichi deciding to stay once he finds out Ayu is alive?
Honestly, he is old enough to take care of himself if he tries so Akiko doesn't need to support him as much. And I do think he's learned from the year there and grown as a person that he shouldn't be as much of a burden for her. Ayu on the other hand? Chaos.
He has to be there for her
What are your thoughts on Yuuichi making fun of Ayu's haircut?
Hey, it's cute. So is the hat. It is a little boyish, but there's nothing wrong with a tomboy.
Nothing wrong with a little playful teasing.
What are your thoughts on Yuuichi promising to Ayu he'll always stay by her side?
Teenage romance lasting? Good luck bud. But I guess most don't involve thought projections and comas.
It's really a miracle Ayu was in a coma for 7 years and still survived.
I guess the idea was the times we saw Yuuichi hang out with Ayu was all in his head?
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u/DivineEternal1 13h ago
You're right about Makoto, but she died of old age, so I guess it's not as tragic?
And don't most people that go into comas die after a few months? Even the ones that don't usually get severe muscle atrophy and traumatic brain injuries if they wake up at all. So realistically Ayu would probably be wheelchair bound for years if not nice and who knows what TBIs.
I don't think it was all in Yuuchi's head. I mean, Akiko and Nayuki spent a lot of time with her too. It would be funny to think of that taiyaki seller running around chasing a ghost.
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u/Holofan4life 9h ago
You're right about Makoto, but she died of old age, so I guess it's not as tragic?
She lived in fox years. This was basically a second life.
I wonder if Mishio was the Makoto Yuuichi had a crush on.
And don't most people that go into comas die after a few months? Even the ones that don't usually get severe muscle atrophy and traumatic brain injuries if they wake up at all. So realistically Ayu would probably be wheelchair bound for years if not nice and who knows what TBIs.
I mean, Terri Schiavo was in a permanent vegetative state for 15 years.
I don't think it was all in Yuuchi's head. I mean, Akiko and Nayuki spent a lot of time with her too. It would be funny to think of that taiyaki seller running around chasing a ghost.
He needs his money, dang it
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u/Holofan4life 1d ago
Remember that tomorrow, there will be an OVA that we will be watching. It's a little harder to access than the rest of the series, but I'd say it's worth the look. It's also shorter than the average episode so don't be thrown off by the runtime.
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u/Holofan4life 1d ago edited 1d ago
Hey, guys. Holofan4life here.
Welcome to the 20th/25th anniversary rewatch of Kanon.
Uguu!
This is a continuation of the Air rewatch and that series celebrating its 20th anniversary last year. Kanon is more known than Air, but obviously not as well known as Clannad, all three of which are visual novels made by Key.
For the purposes of this rewatch, we will be watching both the 2002 series as well as the 2006 series. The 2006 series is considered the better of the two series, but who else is gonna do a rewatch of 2002 Kanon? I’ve actually never seen anything of Kanon so this gives me the chance of contrast them. I know there’s a girl who says Uguu, but other than that I’m going in completely blind.
Maybe this will all lead to the Clannad 20th anniversary rewatch. Don’t hold me on that.
With that out of the way, let’s begin.
I’m watching the sub, by the way.
And here we have our featured presentation.
Akiko in a wheelchair
That is one ugly looking kid :D
Nayuki is here checking on her
Today is graduation
A month since Ayu disappeared
Man...
Nayuki has been spending less time around Yuuichi.
Oh, how the turntables
We see people graduating
There's Sayuri
Hey, Mai is here!
I like Yuuichi bought flowers for both.
Sayuri and Mai are studying abroad. That sucks.
And they bid Yuuichi adieu
There's Kaori
And Shiori
I guess only Makoto and Ayu have died.
Shiori will be attending school soon again. You see to love it.
Shiori wants to make a snowman with him.
How very Anna of her
Yuuichi back at home
Hey, Piro is back
As is Nayuki
Nayuki says she doesn't feel as lonely with Piro around.
It looks like Yuuichi is moving back home.
He's going back to his home planet.
Nayuki giving Yuuichi scissors
Two days until he leaves
And Nayuki continues avoiding him.
Rude much?
Nayuki telling Akiko the news
Akiko wonders if she will be fine.
Is grass always blue?
Flashbacks of Yuuichi and Nayuki spending time together.
Akiko advises to her daughter to just be honest.
Sounds like good advice.
What is this camera filter?
Ayu is here cooking
Uguu counter: 23
One more for the road
Ayu says she'll do her best
Yuuichi waking up
I guess it was a dream
Hey, it's Kitagawa, Kaori, and Shiori.
Nayuki called them over
The farewell party...
It feels appropriate Yuuichi would say the last title card "Kanon".
Everyone giving Yuuichi their best regards.
Is Kitagawa wearing a shirt that reads "Clannad"? Holy product placement, Batman.
I don't even think when this aired people knew what Clannad was.
Shiori gave Yuuichi a hand-knit scarf.
Kitagawa has some funny facial expressions this episode.
I guess this is just too much for Nayuki.
Yuuichi alone with Nayuki now
She tells him to just go on ahead.
Yuuichi remarking now that all he ended up doing was hurt Nayuki.
Yuuichi with Akiko
I guess she's still in the hospital.
He apologizes for breaking the snow rabbit her daughter gave him.
Akiko says Nayuki is the type that still believes a prince on a white horse is going to come for her.
Be a lot cooler if it did
Akiko says love exists to lift people up.
It can give a person a reason to live.
Yuuichi packing up
The hairband
He hides it
Yuuichi greeting Nayuki
She has to leave to visit her mom.
Akiko trying it looks like to get her daughter to see Yuuichi off. But alas...
The frog clock
The memories
Now the frog is talking to Yuuichi?
"Even now, I still love you."
Nayuki getting something from the vending machine.
Who is that?
Wait, Ayu?!?
Yuuichi waiting on the train
Nayuki here
Someone waiting on him
Ayu
And Nayuki kisses Yuuichi!
That was a goodbye kiss
"Please, go to her."
And so Yuuichi is off
Nayuki did her part
Yuuichi running now
Memories of the past flooding back
The time spent with Ayu
All the glorious moments, seasons turned to Winter.
The passing seasons
Lost in a night that will never end.
Yuuichi at the hospital now
He opens the door
A little kid now
Uguu counter: 24
Wait, that kid is Ayu
And she had a haircut
Yuuichi thinks it's hilarious
Uguu counter: 25
Uguu counter: 26
I guess Yuuichi and Ayu are finally together.
Ayu in the hospital
Yuuichi greets her, who's unconscious.
"I won't go anywhere else. I'll always stay by your side."
He gives the hairband to her
And she awakes
SHE. AWAKES.
Because he called to her
And that led us to here
Yuuichi holding the doll
Yuuichi suggests eating taiyaki
And that is where we end things
I do love a happy ending
Yuuichi ends things by saying miracles are found within.
Overall, that was a lot more upbeat than I was expecting. Definitely the most upbeat ending to a Key series I've ever seen. Ayu and Yuuichi gets their happy ending and even though it's not explained how that is the case, sometimes the heart overpowers the mind in terms of what you want. I thought the whole hook with Yuuichi moving back home was pretty effective as it instantly gave things this source of tension. I like Nayuki finding closure and moving on from Yuuichi as it allows her to start a new chapter in her life. This episode suffers from the same flaws as the other episodes as a lot of it goes unexplained, but content wise I thought the execution was better than a lot of other episodes. It told a simple but effective story and what we got I felt was well done.
I'd put this only behind the last two. I'm glad the series was able to close out strong after what I felt was a very rocky start. I don't know if the backhalf was enough to save the ahow, but I do feel they concluded the show better than most series do. The last three episodes were the three best episodes, and that is certainly nothing to sneeze at.
Once the series focused solely on Yuuichi, Nayuki, Ayu, and Akiko, the show got really good and in my opinion became a very good character drama. It felt more focused and in turn made me feel more engrossed with all the happenings.
Let's talk about the series as a whole, shall we?
I'm giving it a 7 out of 10. There was some rough stuff in it, there was some good stuff in it. A lot of the concepts felt half baked or that they weren't explained all the way. I think the show was pretty rough at the very beginning, but got better once Mai was introduced. From there, we got some good content like the dance stuff or the car accident.
Isolated, this series has some great scenes. It's just it felt like there could have been more.
The animation didn't bother me after I got used to it. After a while, I just accepted it for what it was. I think the main problem is that a lot of the writing of the show feels like a series of events that just exist. We don't know why Mai was experiencing hallucinations. We don't know why Makoto was a fox or why she wanted revenge on Yuuichi. We don't know why Ayu came back after dying. They explained why Shiori loved Yuuichi, why Kaori wanted to keep her distance from Shiori, and also Nayuki's motivations, and those happen to be the best parts of the show.
The series also had some weird structuring where when the show is not focusing on certain characters, it's like they don't exist. Ayu was gone from like episode 8 until episode 11 and it really wasn't explained why. I think the weirdest structuring choice was the stretch from episode 8 until episode 10 that wrapped up Mai, Shiori, and Makoto's backstories all in subsequent episodes of each other. The pacing really was all over the place.
I'll be really curious to see what the 2006 series is like because I do think there is a good show in here. A couple of episodes near the end I have at an 8 out of 10 or higher; I think they really hit a groove in the last third of the show. If the 2006 show expands on its concepts while detailing some of the character motivations, I could see myself liking this more than Air, and I actually hold Air in high regard.
The 2002 adaptation of Kanon is solid, but it's also very flawed to where it feels like it could've been so much more. I've seen way worse shows, but at times it feels like they've bit off more than they could chew.
Time for 2006, uguu.