Aikatsu Start!

Season 2 episode 9

The episode begins with a flashback. Rizela Aiyoku is around 8 years old, sitting in her bedroom in Japan. The room is filled with Japanese decorations — posters of J-pop idols, traditional paper fans, and plush toys of Japanese characters. Outside, the vibrant sounds of a Japanese festival fill the air, but inside the house, there's tension.

Flashback: Inside Rizela's House

Rizela's father, William, a tall Norwegian man with a stern expression, is pacing back and forth in their living room. He looks frustrated and upset, while Rizela's mother, a gentle Japanese woman called Kotono, is sitting quietly, trying to calm him down.

William: (in a firm voice) I don't understand why you're indulging her in this nonsense. We moved here for better opportunities, not to have her become obsessed with... (gestures around) all of this!

Kotono: (sadly) But dear, she's just a child. She's learning to love her heritage. This is her home now, and she should be able to enjoy it.

William: (sighs deeply) This wasn't the plan. We moved here for you, but now she’s losing touch with who she really is. She should be learning about Norway, not Japan. I regret moving here if it means losing our culture.

Rizela: (from the doorway, with tears in her eyes) Daddy, why are you mad at me? I love Japan, but I love Norway too!

William stops pacing and turns to see Rizela standing there, clutching a small Norwegian flag. His face softens a bit, but he still seems conflicted.

William: (sighs) Rizela, it’s not that I’m mad at you. I just... I don’t want you to forget where you come from. You’re not just Japanese; you’re Norwegian too. I want you to be proud of that.

Rizela: (nodding slowly) I know, Daddy. But can't I be both? I want to learn about Norway, but I also want to enjoy Japan.

Kotono places a gentle hand on her husband's arm, giving him a reassuring smile.

Kotono: She’s right. We chose to move here together. She should have the freedom to embrace both cultures. Let’s support her, not make her choose.

William looks conflicted, but eventually nods, though his expression remains stern.

William: (softly) Maybe... you’re right. I just don’t want her to forget her roots.

Transition Back to Present Day

The scene fades out and transitions to the present day at Saku Academy. Rizela is sitting alone under a cherry blossom tree, looking thoughtful. She holds a small charm — a gift from her mother that represents the unity of her dual heritage. Her thoughts are interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching.

Present Day: Saku Academy Garden

Rotasu and Aika are walking through the garden, enjoying the peaceful afternoon. They spot Rizela and notice her distant expression. The two girls exchange a concerned look and approach her.

Rotasu: (gently) Hey, Rizela. You look like you have a lot on your mind. Everything okay?

Rizela snaps out of her thoughts and forces a small smile.

Rizela: (softly) Oh, hi, Rotasu. I’m fine, just... thinking about my family.

Aika: (sitting down beside her) Do you want to talk about it? We’re here to listen.

Rizela hesitates for a moment, then sighs.

Rizela: (murmuring) It’s just... my dad. He never really understood why I love Japan so much. He always wanted me to remember Norway, but sometimes it feels like he’s disappointed in me for loving Japan more.

Rotasu and Aika listen intently, their expressions filled with empathy.

Rotasu: (reassuringly) I’m sure he’s not disappointed in you, Rizela. He probably just misses home, just like how you miss parts of Norway.

Aika: (nodding) Yeah, and it sounds like he wants you to be proud of both your cultures. It’s hard to balance sometimes, but you’re doing great.

Rizela looks down at the charm in her hand, her eyes misting over slightly.

Rizela: (softly) I just want him to see that I can love both parts of who I am. But it’s hard when he doesn’t seem to understand.

Rotasu gently places a hand on Rizela’s shoulder.

Rotasu: It might take time, but I’m sure he’ll come around. Parents just want what’s best for us, even if they don’t always know how to show it.

Aika reaches into her bag and pulls out a notebook, opening it to a blank page.

Aika: Why don’t you write him a letter? Tell him how you feel about both cultures and why they’re important to you. Maybe it’ll help him understand better.

Rizela considers the idea for a moment, a small smile slowly forming on her face.

Rizela: (nods) That’s... actually a really good idea. Thanks, you guys. I guess I’ve been feeling down about this for a long time, but talking to you makes me feel better.

Rotasu and Aika smile, glad to see Rizela’s spirits lifting.

Rotasu: (cheerfully) Anytime, Rizela. We’re friends, after all. We’re here to support each other, no matter what.

Aika: (grinning) Exactly! And hey, we’re all here to shine in our own way, right? You’re amazing just the way you are.

Rizela’s smile grows wider, and she nods, feeling a sense of relief and warmth from her friends’ support.

Rizela: (brightly) You’re right. I’m going to write that letter tonight. I want my dad to know how much I love both parts of who I am.

Rotasu: (encouragingly) That’s the spirit! And if you ever need us, we’re always here for you.

Aika: (playfully) Now, how about we go grab some snacks from the cafeteria? I heard they have some new treats today!

Rizela giggles, her mood noticeably lighter.

Rizela: (smiling) Sounds like a plan. Let’s go!

As the three girls walk towards the school,
the camera pans up to the cherry blossoms gently swaying in the breeze, symbolizing growth, change, and the beauty of embracing one’s true self.